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Avalanches’ 9-2 Win Over Flames Marred by Injury to Makar

You could call it a “revenge game” for Nazem Kadri as he takes on his former team, the Calgary Flames, but it was really a beatdown. Outshot 25-8, which led to the Flames being down 4-0 after the first period, it was all but over for the Flames, but for the Colorado Avalanche, it doesn't come without pain, as they worry about Calar Makar's injury and the severity of it after their 9-2 win.

Period 1:

Just over two minutes in, Jack Drury opens the scoring as he capitalizes on a rebound that bounces off the endboard from Parker Kelly's shot, his 10th goal of the year, making it 1-0. Brayden Pachal is called for unsportsmanlike conduct when he lays a heavy late hit to Drury after the whistle. Shortly into the power play, Blake Coleman slashes Martin Necas's stick in half and is called for it, sending the Avalanche to a 5-on-3.

Just over 20 seconds into the 5-on-3, it's a beautiful tic-tac-toe power-play goal: Cale Makar to Necas to Nazem Kadri, who finishes it to make it 2-0. With one more power play remaining, it's Kadri again as he buries a loose puck rebound that came off Brock Nelson's one-timer; his second goal of the night now makes it 3-0.

Over 1:40 after the Kadri goal, Gabriel Landeskog on the rush slips a shot five-hole, making it 4-0. With that goal, Dustin Wolf is pulled, and in comes Devin Cooley.

Colorado’s dominant period continues, and they show no remorse for Cooley as Kelly tips Makar’s shot from the blueline in, making it 5-0. The Avalanche showed what might have been their best period yet, finishing the first with 25 shots on goal while only allowing the Flames eight.

Period 2:

The Avalanche were a bit on cruise control to start the second period, and a turnover from Sam Malinski lets John Beecher wrap around the net, and Brennan Othmann crash the net for the loose puck rebound to make it 5-1.

Brett Kulak is called for high-sticking, but the Avalanche kills off their first penalty. Zach Whitecloud trips Landeskog, who almost had a great scoring attempt on the odd-man rush. 

It’s Nathan MacKinnon as he receives a feed from Makar and rifles a one-time blast from the hashmarks into the net to make it 6-1 on the power play, their third power play point of the night as they enter the third period up 6-1.

Period 3:

At the start of the period, Makar was not on the bench, and later in the period, Avs PR confirmed he suffered an upper-body injury and will not return to the game. His last shift was late into the second period.

BREAKING: Cale Makar Suffers Upper-Body Injury Against FlamesBREAKING: Cale Makar Suffers Upper-Body Injury Against FlamesCale Makar left the game against the Calgary Flames due to an upper-body injury

Matt Coronato is called for delay of game as he sends the puck over the glass, but the Avalanche can’t convert on their fourth power play. MacKinnon got his hands on the puck following a Flames turnover behind the net and fed Necas, 7-1. Not too long after Kelly feeds Malinski, crashing the net, forehand-backhand, 8-1

Despite the game being a blowout, Scott Wedgewood has made some terrific saves throughout, which might not have given the Flames much of a push for a comeback. They were tremendous glove and pad saves that show how much of a heater he is on.

Yegor Sharangovich’s initial stop is saved, but he manages to recover the puck and sets up Ryan Strome with a pretty neat backhand pass that stuns Wedgewood to make it 8-2. Though not too long after, MacKinnon finds his own loose puck off a rush shot attempt and finds Arturri Lehkonen crashing the net and buries it to make it 9-2.

With that, it comes to an end as the Avalanche stroll on the rest of the way and secure the 9-2 victory and the two points.

Next Game

The Avalanche are back in action against the struggling Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, April 1.

Breaking News: Avalanche Add Penn State Standout DiMarsico On Entry-Level ContractBreaking News: Avalanche Add Penn State Standout DiMarsico On Entry-Level ContractThe Colorado Avalanche have signed forward Matthew DiMarsico to a two-year entry-level contract beginning in 2026–27, with the Penn State University product set to join the Colorado Eagles on an AHL deal for the 2025–26 season.
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Nolan Gorman Homers, But Cardinals Bats Go Silent in 4-2 Loss to Mets

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 30: Nolan Gorman #16 of the St. Louis Cardinals rounds second base after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets in the sixth inning at Busch Stadium on March 30, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals had a silent night with the bats with the exception of Nolan Gorman who hit a moonshot home run as the New York Mets beat the Birds 4-2 Monday night at Busch Stadium.

The New York Mets jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead when Francisco Lindor tripled and then scored on a ground out by Bo Bichette. The St. Louis Cardinals answered quickly when JJ Wetherholt walked and then was moved over by Ivan Herrera. Alec Burleson continued his hot start to the season with a RBI single to draw the Cardinals even at 1-1.

Kyle Leahy was sharp for the first 4 innings, but the Mets broke through in the 5th and 6th innings adding 3 more runs to increase their lead to 4-1. In the bottom of the 6th inning, Nolan Gorman reached for the stars with a near vertical shot into the right field bullpen.

I would love to say that the St. Louis Cardinals showed their fighting spirit and rallied back to at least make a threat late in the game, but that was not the case. The stat line ended with a mere 2 runs on 5 hits as the Cardinals fell to .500 at an even 2-2 for the season.

We’ll try again Tuesday night as Andre Pallante is scheduled to make the start for St. Louis as the Cardinals will battle the Mets again with a 6:45p start time at Busch Stadium.

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Cavs scrape past tanking Jazz 122-113

Mar 30, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) dunks the ball against Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Much to the delight of both organizations, the Cleveland Cavaliers did enough to pull out the 122-113 win over the tanking Utah Jazz to start their brief three-game road trip.

This game was much closer than it should’ve been in the fourth quarter. The Jazz were without six rotation players and came into this game losers of their last five and having dropped nine of their last 10.

Meanwhile, the Cavs rested two key rotation players, Max Strus and Jarrett Allen, in preparation for tomorrow’s game with the Los Angeles Lakers. That, combined with being without Dean Wade (ankle) and Jaylon Tyson (toe), left the Cavs thin on bench reserves. However, that itself doesn’t explain why this game was close late.

Cleveland simply couldn’t put the game away despite having several chances to do so early. They opened the second quarter on a 13-1 run, which allowed them to stretch their lead to 14, but they didn’t keep their foot on the gas, allowing the Jazz back into the game before the break.

This happened once again in the third quarter. The Cavs pushed the lead to 15 midway through the third, but then allowed the Jazz to claw back. They tied things up three-and-a-half minutes into the fourth and even took a brief two-point lead with five minutes left in the contest.

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The Cavaliers’ starters were able to reassert control of the game from there. The offense executed well down the stretch thanks to a strong fourth quarter from Evan Mobley.

As was the case all game, the Jazz didn’t have an answer for Mobley inside. He did a good job of attacking in space, beating mismatches, and finishing lobs inside. This included putting the Jazz away with an and-one layup, an alley-oop from Sam Merrill, and an and-one pick-and-roll with James Harden on three-straight possessions, which started with four minutes to play in the fourth quarter. This took it from a three-point advantage to an 11-point one to help seal the game.

Mobley scored 10 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter. On the night, he finished with 17 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and a steal on 15-21 shooting. This led to him leading the team in plus/minus at +21.

Not to be outdone, Donovan Mitchell also supplied 34 points. He did so on 10-18 shooting with five assists and a steal.

Harden once again showed his skill in manipulating the defense. He seemingly created open shots for his teammates every time down the court. This resulted in him racking up 14 assists for the second game in a row. He also had 13 points on 4-9 shooting to go along with six rebounds.

This game shouldn’t have been close based on how well the Cavs’ three best players performed. But, you’d also expect the team to shoot better than 6-32 (18.8%) from three.

Meanwhile, the Jazz were outclassed for most of the game, but their hot shooting kept them alive. They went 15-29 (51.7%) from beyond the arc. Allowing opponents to get hot from beyond the arc continues to be an issue for the Cavs.

The Jazz were led by 26 points from Cody Williams. Kyle Filipowski had 20 points and 10 rebounds on 7-12 shooting.

The Cavaliers will be back in action on Tuesday when they take on Luka Doncic and the Lakers. Tip-off is at 10:30 PM Eastern.

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Max Domi immediately fights Radko Gudas, avenging Auston Matthews injury

The Toronto Maple Leafs didn't take long to get revenge on Monday, March 30 for the season-ending injury to captain Auston Matthews.

Toronto's Max Domi and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas dropped the gloves right off the opening faceoff in the teams' first meeting since Gudas was suspended five games for his knee-on-knee hit on Matthews.

Because the suspension wasn't longer for the March 12 infraction, it meant the Ducks captain was scheduled to be in the lineup for the teams' rematch.

Gudas didn't throw any punches and Domi got in about 10 before the defenseman went down.

The Ducks captain had suited up on Monday despite being injured in a recent game.

“Stand behind my own mistakes,” he said, according to TSN, about why he was going to play. “I want to address it myself, so that’s one of the reasons, 100 percent. That’s one of those games where I have to play.”

The Leafs' Michael Pezzetta went after Gudas in the second period. He got two minutes for roughing, a 10-minute misconduct and a game misconduct for abuse of officials.

Later, Jake McCabe and Gudas went at it, leading to a misconduct for McCabe.

Toronto's response was a marked change from the earlier game, when no Leafs player on the ice challenged Gudas after his hit.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Max Domi fights Radko Gudas, who hurt Auston Matthews in earlier game

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Mavericks vs. Timberwolves Recap: 2 things from the Mavericks 124-94 loss at home

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 30: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 30, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks got blown out at home Monday night, losing 124-94 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Dallas.

Cooper Flagg had a game to forget, as he couldn’t buy a bucket for the entire game. But it wasn’t just him that struggled. Almost every Mavericks was off, besides Brandon Williams.

The Mavericks were soundly outplayed in the first quarter, with the Timberwolves playing with playoff-like intensity. Flagg missed his first four shots, and was heavily bothered by Rudy Gobert’s rim protection.

The Timberwolves three point shooting carried their offensive output, and as usual the Mavericks did not respond in kind.

Flagg was able to get his first bucket on a beautiful cut to the rim, with a great pass from Brandon Williams. He followed it up with a great block on Gobert; although, he wasn’t able to hit the pullup jump-shot over the French big man. The Mavericks offense continued to struggle the rest of the quarter, with the lack of any three point shooters ruining the spacing.

The Timberwolves began to build a cushion in the third quarter, with the Mavericks having zero response to the early Minnesota run. Minnesota’s transition offense was especially crisp, with the Minnesota guards taking advantage of the Mavericks mistakes.

The overall difference in talent felt massive, and with the Timberwolves playing with playoff intensity, the Mavericks had no answer. The fourth quarter was mainly a formality, with the Timberwolves continuing the second half demolition of the Mavericks.

Cooper Flagg’s shot diet has to change

Flagg was pretty horrendous against the Timberwolves, as the pressure and physicality seemed to throw him of his rhythm.

It also didn’t help that he seemed absolutely terrified to shoot from behind-the-arc.

A microcosm of this issue came early in the second quarter, with Flagg settling for a terrible mid range jumper instead of an uncontested three. Obviously it doesn’t really matter for this season, but going forward it has to change, or Flagg’s scoring potential is capped.

It isn’t even the percentage that worries me, but rather the complete lack of confidence he feels in his shot. The Timberwolves perfectly exploited this, as they routinely gave him plenty of room in his isolation or pick-and-roll reps.

Hopefully an offseason of work can help the 19 year-old find his confidence, make-or-miss.

The Mavericks aren’t close… yet

A game like this truly illustrates the massive gap between a real deal contender, and the Dallas Mavericks.

While the Mavericks were without both Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington, it wouldn’t have mattered. The difference in execution, talent and intensity between the two teams was stark.

This game also showed how to build a great team around a slashing superstar wing, with Anthony Edwards not even being needed in this contest.

The Timberwolves three point shooting and point of attack defense are both elite, while the Mavericks have massive holes in both areas.

Hopefully the Mavericks realize this, and seek to actually address this in the offseason.

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NBA, FIBA, EuroLeague negotiating teaming up for new European league

BERLIN, GERMANY - JANUARY 15: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the media prior to the game of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic as part of the 2026 Berlin Games on January 15, 2026 at Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mansoor Ahmed/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

According to a report by Aris Barkas of Euro Hoops, the NBA, FIBA, and EuroLeague will reignite negotiations about teaming up to revamp professional basketball in Europe over the next few days. While broad discussions surrounding an NBA Europe venture have circulated for years, there has been building momentum for a 2027 start. Barkas’ reporting suggests it really could be close to becoming reality. There seems to be a pathway for all three major basketball institutions to support the new league.

Since Barkas says many investors are hesitant to pour nine-figure investments into an upstart league, the NBA is more open to collaborating with the EuroLeague than at previous points. While the NBA once aimed to immediately take control of the league from current ownership groups, they now appear interested in collaborating with the league on a minor expansion from 20 to 24 teams. It’s unclear if the added teams would be specific NBA affiliates or if the NBA will simply provide smaller support to all 24 squads.

Barkas adds that the NBA’s collaboration with EuroLeague could also help ensure the new venture does not add further conflicts to FIBA’s international competition schedule. While the NBA largely functions independent of FIBA, since basketball powerhouses like the U.S. can often rely on non-NBA talent for qualifying tournaments during the season, the EuroLeague has had a much more contentious relationship with FIBA. Barkas speculates that the NBA’s added presence could help mend those fences.

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You just got Nick Fortes’d: Rays 3, Brewers 2

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 30: Kevin Kelly #49 of the Tampa Bay Rays is congratulated by Nick Fortes #40 after a 3-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on March 30, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Rays opened a three-game series in Milwaukee on Monday winning a close one against the Brewers.

Cedric Mullins was dropped from the starting lineup for the first time this season, which made sense with lefty Kyle Harrison starting for the Brewers. Jonathan Aranda and Chandler Simpson were the only two left-handed hitters in the lineup.

Nick Martinez took the mound to make his first start in a Rays uniform, and looked to flip the script on a horrendous spring (13.2 IP, 14.49 ERA). He threw six solid innings, allowing just two runs on a William Contreras homer. If he can provide that line consistently, he will be a big addition to the rotation.

Yandy Diaz continued his hot start to the season with a leadoff home run, his first bomb of the year. In his next at bat, in vintage Yandy Fashion, he hit a single the other way with a 106 mph exit velocity.

Jonny DeLuca tied the game in the seventh with a 438-foot solo shot to left field (109 mph). If DeLuca can focus on getting out in front like he did tonight, and pulling the ball in the air, he may be able to unlock some more power this season. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think DeLuca had a swing like that in his bag.

Nick Fortes got involved in a big way on both sides of the plate in the ninth inning. His double to right drove in the eventual winning run. Then, in the bottom of the ninth, successfully challenged a pitch that would’ve made it a 3-1 count on Blake Perkins. It was changed to a strike, making it a 2-2 count, and Perkins grounded into a fielder’s choice to end the game on the very next pitch. It’s early in the season, but Fortes has been a big contributor early on and played a huge role in tonight’s win.

After using Griffin Jax and Garrett Cleavinger in the seventh and eighth innings respectively, and Bryan Baker having pitched each of the last two days, Ian Seymour got the ball to start the ninth. It was a big vote of confidence from Kevin Cash, even if he didn’t have a better choice. Seymour hit the first batter he faced, but got the next two batters out. Kevin Kelly came in to get the final out, which was pinch hitter Blake Perkins.

The Rays will look to secure their first series victory of the season tomorrow night in Milwaukee, with Shane McClanahan making his first start since August 2023.

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Flames Buried by Avalanche in Blowout at Ball Arena

The Calgary Flames were routed 9–2 by the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on Monday night, a lopsided result that snapped Calgary’s 5-0-1 run heading into the night.

Colorado took control early and never let go. Just 2:31 into the game, the Avalanche opened the scoring when Jack Drury banked the puck in off Dustin Wolf after a shot bounced off the end boards. That goal set the tone for a first period that quickly got away from Calgary.

© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Penalty trouble followed, and Colorado capitalized. On a 5-on-3, Cale Makar found Martin Nečas down low, who quickly slid the puck across to Nazem Kadri for a tap-in at 6:31. Still on the power play, Kadri struck again at 7:37, burying a rebound to make it 3–0.

Less than two minutes later, the Avalanche added another. Valeri Nichushkin moved the puck to Brock Nelson, who faked a shot and set up Gabriel Landeskog driving the net. His initial attempt was stopped, but he buried the rebound at 9:19 to push the lead to four.

That ended Wolf’s night after four goals on 16 shots, with Devin Cooley coming on in relief.

© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Colorado wasn’t finished. Late in the first, Makar fired a shot from the point that was tipped in front by Parker Kelly at 15:50, capping a five-goal opening period. The Avalanche outshot Calgary 26–8 in the frame.

The Flames found a brief response in the second. John Beecher created the chance on a wraparound, and Brennan Othmann knocked in the loose puck for his first goal with Calgary to make it 5–1.

Any momentum was short-lived. With under a minute left in the period, Nathan MacKinnon blasted a one-timer on the power play off a feed from Makar to restore a five-goal lead heading into the third.

Colorado added two more in the final frame. Nečas scored his 35th of the season at 6:24 after a turnover behind the net, and Sam Malinski followed at 8:10, finishing off a rush to make it 8–1.

Ryan Strome scored for the Flames at 12:53 with Yegor Sharangovich and former Avalanche, Victor Olofsson, adding assists. 8-2 Colorado. 

Lehkonen scored his 20th goal to make it 9-2 at 16:48 to round out the scoring. MacKinnon and Nečas picked up assists.

The Avalanche outshot the Flames 50–28 on the night and controlled the pace throughout.

© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Three Takeaways

Kadri delivers against former team

Nazem Kadri made an immediate impact, scoring twice in the first period, including the eventual game-winner, in his first game against Calgary since the trade.

Avalanche overwhelm early

Colorado’s speed and puck movement dictated the game from the opening shift. A five-goal first period put the Flames in a hole they couldn’t recover from.

Beecher stands out in loss

John Beecher was one of the few bright spots for Calgary, generating an assist on Othmann’s goal, recording two shots and contributing physically.

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Sixers Bell Ringer: Sixers lose game and season tiebreaker to Heat

Mar 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) reacts toward a referee against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer season standings:

Tyrese Maxey – 22
VJ Edgecombe – 12
Joel Embiid – 10
Paul George – 7
Justin Edwards – 4
Kelly Oubre Jr. – 4
Quentin Grimes – 3
Jared McCain :’( – 3
Dominick Barlow – 2
Andre Drummond – 2
MarJon Beauchamp – 2
Adem Bona – 1
Cam Payne – 1
Jabari Walker – 1
Trendon Watford – 1
15th roster spot – 1

Towards the beginning of Philadelphia’s crucial road contest against the Heat, it looked like the Sixers might have contracted the South Beach flu. Miami was racing out for a ton of transition points and opened up a 13-point lead in the first quarter. However, the Sixers rallied to take a seven-point lead in the second quarter and a game of runs ensued. With Philadelphia leading by four with three minutes remaining, the Heat went on a 14-0 run to seize control and put the game away in an eventual 119-109 final. Tyler Herro scored eight of his game-high 30 points during that run. It was a disappointing loss for the Sixers, who now drop 1.5 games behind Toronto and Atlanta in the standings. With this result, Philadelphia also lost the season series, 2-1, to Miami, which could come into play with the Heat just 1.5 games back of the Sixers. Let’s talk Bell Ringer before we move onto Washington Wednesday night.

Paul George: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover

MIAMI, FL – MARCH 30: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 30, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

It really is noticeable how much healthier George feels after his time off from the suspension. You could see it on his first bucket of the game when he drove down the lane and rose up for a two-handed dunk. Or when he raced ahead in transition to get ahead of the defense and lay a bucket in for a three-point play. PG was instrumental to the Sixers hanging around in the first quarter. He threw a perfect alley-oop pass to VJ Edgecombe from about 35 feet away. George also made a great play to dig down defensively and knock the ball away from Bam Adebayo from behind, then rushed over to present an outlet option for Dominick Barlow, who had hustled to the floor for the loose ball. As the game wore on, George’s shot grew colder, but I’d still chalk this game up as a good sign of things to come.

Tyrese Maxey: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers

MIAMI, FL – MARCH 30: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 30, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Like many Sixers on the evening, Maxey had a cold shooting night from deep. I felt he nicely used the threat of his shot to work his way into easier mid-range looks on a few occasions. Tyrese also continued to attack, with a team-high seven attempts from the free throw line, and made some nice drive-and-kick reads to open three-point shooters. We also witnessed the growth in Maxey’s defensive game. On two separate occasions, Tyrese played outstanding isolation defense, staying with his man and blocking Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez as they went up for the shot, then collecting the ball to spur a transition opportunity. Overall, it wasn’t the best Maxey night, but remember he’s playing with a splint on his shooting hand after all.

Joel Embiid: 26 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 3 turnovers

MIAMI, FL – MARCH 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 30, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Joel was the most consistent offensive weapon for the Sixers. He displayed physicality early on with a couple back-down drives and buckets in the face of Bam Adebayo. Later, Embiid was the skeleton key to unlock the Miami zone, finding his sweet spot in the mid-range circle and rising up over the likes of 6-foot-5 Pelle Larsson. Joel tried his best to carry the team across the finish line, leading the Sixers with 10 points in the fourth quarter, including the big three-pointer to put them up by four late.

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Heat rally late, pull away to beat 76ers

MIAMI (AP) — Tyler Herro scored 30 points, Bam Adebayo finished with 23 points and 16 rebounds, and the Miami Heat used a 14-0 run in the final moments to rally past the Philadelphia 76ers 119-109 on Monday night.

Pelle Larsson added 20 points and a career-high 10 rebounds for Miami (40-36), which kept some realistic hope of getting out of the play-in tournament range — or at least getting into one of the top two spots and therefore assuring itself two chances of making the playoffs — alive with the win. The Heat are ninth in the Eastern Conference, in a virtual tie with No. 8 Orlando.

Joel Embiid scored 26 points for Philadelphia, which got a 23-point, nine-assist, seven-rebound night from Tyrese Maxey. Paul George added 19 points for the 76ers, who remained seventh in the East.

VJ Edgecombe had 13 points and five assists for Philadelphia, on a night where many from the Bahamas — his homeland — made the short trip to Miami and waved flags in the arena whenever he did something right.

HAWKS 112, CELTICS 102

ATLANTA (AP) — Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson each scored 20 points, and three days after losing to the Celtics on the road, the Hawks responded with a win over Boston. It was Atlanta’s 13th consecutive home win.

Okongwu (20 points, 10 rebounds) and Johnson each had double-doubles. It was Johnson’s (20 points, 12 rebounds) 45th of the season.

A tightly contested first half with 10 ties and nine lead changes ended at 54-all as Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit a 27-foot 3-pointer to seal the first half. Atlanta carried that momentum into the third quarter, outscoring the Celtics 36-22 to take a 14-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

The Celtics climbed back from a 21-point deficit in the fourth quarter to come within eight points in the last two minutes. Johnson and Alexander-Walker helped put the game out of reach with four made free throws in the final minute.

Boston’s lineup looked different this time around, with Jaylen Brown returning after a two-game absence and Jayson Tatum on the bench with injury management. Tatum scored 26 points during the teams’ Friday meeting.

Brown had a team high 29 points and 10 rebounds. Luka Garza had 20 points and nine rebounds.

SUNS 131, GRIZZLIES 105

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Devin Booker scored 36 points on 16-of-24 shooting, Jalen Green added 21 points, and Phoenix beat Memphis.

Collin Gillespie had 11 points — all in the fourth quarter — and 10 assists for the Suns. Oso Ighodaro and Rasheer Fleming also scored 11 points.

Booker banked in a straight-away 3-pointer at the buzzer in the third quarter to give Phoenix a two-point lead. GG Jackson threw down a dunk to open the fourth that made it 91-all, but Fleming grabbed an offensive rebound and his putback with 11:14 left in the game gave Phoenix the lead for good.

Ighodaro followed with a dunk and Gillespie added a 3-pointer and a jumper before Jordan Goodwin stole a pass and fed Ryan Dunn for a fast-break dunk that capped an 11-0 run. Goodwin and Fleming made 3s 21 seconds apart that made it 108-95 with 6:59 remaining, and the Grizzlies trailed by double digits the rest of the way.

Tyler Burton led Memphis with 17 points and Cam Spencer scored 16. Jackson and Jahmai Mashack each added 14 points.

SPURS 129, BULLS 114

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama had a season-high 41 points and 16 rebounds while collecting the fastest double-double in NBA history, and San Antonio won their ninth straight, defeating Chicago.

Wembanyama had 10 points and 10 rebounds in his first 8 minutes, 31 seconds on the court, collecting his 10th rebound 1:55 into the second quarter. Jim Washington of the St. Louis Hawks had a double-double in nine minutes against the New York Knicks on March 6, 1966.

Wembanyama punctuated his season-high with a driving, one-handed dunk for his final points midway through the fourth quarter. He was 17 for 27 from the field and 3 for 6 on 3-pointers in scoring at least 30 points for the 14th time this season.

Stephon Castle added 21 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for San Antonio, which has has won nine consecutive games.

Bulls point guard Tre Jones had 23 points in his first game in San Antonio since being traded to Chicago as part of the deal that brought De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs. Leonard Miller added 21 points and Collin Sexton had 20 as the Bulls lost their fourth straight.

TIMBERWOLVES 124, MAVERICKS 94

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas native Julius Randle scored 24 points, Anthony Edwards had 17 points off the bench in his return following a six-game absence, and Minnesota beat Dallas.

Edwards was announced as a starter but was late to the court and replaced in the lineup by Mike Conley. Edwards checked in after 2:01 elapsed.

Edwards went in needing to play in every remaining Wolves game to meet the NBA’s 65-game minimum for eligibility for all-NBA consideration.

Ayo Dosunmu had 16 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists for his first triple-double since being acquired from Chicago at the trade deadline.

The Timberwolves (46-29) moved into sole possession of fifth place in the Western Conference, a half-game ahead of idle Houston.

Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo hit 5 of 9 behind the arc and finished with 15 points.

Daniel Gafford scored 21 points to lead the lottery-bound Mavericks (24-51), who have lost their last 13 home games.

CAVALIERS 122, JAZZ 113

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell each scored 34 points and Cleveland used a late fourth-quarter surge to beat Utah.

Mobley set a season-high for points, including eight dunks, and also had 16 rebounds and three blocks. The 7-footer capped the decisive 14-1 run with a three-point play that made it 117-106 with 3:14 remaining.

James Harden had 13 points and 14 assists for the Cavaliers, who have won five straight road games and six of their last seven overall.

Cody Williams scored 26 points, Kyle Filipowski had 20 and Ace Bailey added 19 for Utah. The Jazz have lost six straight and 10 of their last 11.

LAKERS 120, WIZARDS 101

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James had 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, Austin Reaves added 19 points and nine assists, and Los Angeles rolled to a win over Washington.

It was James’ 1,228th career victory, including the playoffs, to tie Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most in NBA history.

With Luka Doncic serving a one-game suspension after getting called for his 16th technical foul of the season against Brooklyn on Friday, an energized James led the Lakers to their 12th win in the past 13 games, attacking the rim from the start including throwing down two emphatic two-handed dunks set up by Reaves in the first quarter.

Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes each had 19 points off the bench, Deandre Ayton chipped in with 12, and the Lakers improved to 7-6 without Doncic in the lineup this season.

Los Angeles would have clinched a playoff berth and the Pacific Division title with the win and a Phoenix loss, but the Suns’ 131-105 victory over Memphis delayed the formality of securing a fourth straight trip to the postseason.

Will Riley led the Wizards with 20 points and Justin Champagnie had 18 as they lost for the 19th time in 20 games.

THUNDER 114, PISTONS 110, OT

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 47 points and Oklahoma City defeated Detroit in overtime.

The reigning league MVP, and strong candidate to repeat, made 12 of 19 field goals and 21 of 25 free throws. He extended his NBA record for consecutive games with at least 20 points to 136.

The Thunder became the first team in the league to win 60 games this season, and it’s the first time Oklahoma City has won at least that many in back-to-back seasons. The Thunder’s 15th win in 16 games kept them two games ahead of the San Antonio Spurs atop the Western Conference standings.

Oklahoma City, which defeated the New York Knicks on Sunday night, looked sluggish against the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons, who were missing four of their five regular starters. Cade Cunningham remained out with a collapsed lung. All-Star Jalen Duren was out with a right knee injury and Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson were out with right hip injuries. Isaiah Stewart, a key reserve, missed the game with a left calf strain.

Detroit had won five of six without Cunningham, and they hung tough on Monday. Paul Reed had 21 points and 10 rebounds, Javonte Green scored 19 points and Kevin Huerter added 17 for the Pistons.

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Randle scores 24, Edwards adds 17 in return from injury, as Wolves rout Mavericks 124-94

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas native Julius Randle scored 24 points, Anthony Edwards had 17 points off the bench in his return following a six-game absence, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Dallas Mavericks 124-94 on Monday night.

Edwards was announced as a starter but was late to the court and replaced in the lineup by Mike Conley. Edwards checked in after 2:01 elapsed.

Edwards went in needing to play in every remaining Wolves game to meet the NBA’s 65-game minimum for eligibility for all-NBA consideration.

Ayo Dosunmu had 16 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists for his first triple-double since being acquired from Chicago at the trade deadline.

The Timberwolves (46-29) moved into sole possession of fifth place in the Western Conference, a half-game ahead of idle Houston.

Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo hit 5 of 9 behind the arc and finished with 15 points.

Daniel Gafford scored 21 points to lead the lottery-bound Mavericks (24-51), who have lost their last 13 home games.

Mavericks star rookie Cooper Flagg scored 12 points on 5-of-19 shooting after starting 1 for 10.

The Mavericks’ home losing streak is their longest at the 25-year old American Airlines Center. It’s their longest since dropping their first 19 games at since-demolished Reunion Arena to begin the 1993-94 season.

Minnesota used a 19-2 run to open a 23-10 lead late in the first quarter and never again trailed. The Wolves led by as many as 33 points in the fourth quarter.

Up Next

Timberwolves: Visit Detroit on Thursday.

Mavericks: Visit Milwaukee on Tuesday.

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AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA

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Brewers fall late 3-2 to Rays in first loss of season

Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill (29) watches an RBI double by Tampa Bay Rays catcher Nick Fortes during the ninth inning of their game Monday, March 30, 2026 American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It was not the Milwaukee Brewers night tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays. It started with the first batter of the game when Yandy Diaz ripped a misplaced changeup from Kyle Harrison over the left field wall for his first homer of the season.

However, Harrison rebounded quite well from that first hitter, striking out eight across five innings of one run ball, scattering just four total hits.

“I thought he threw the ball well. For his first outing with us, he threw the ball really well and responded really well, especially after the first two innings” Pat Murphy said postgame.

The Brewers offense was able to provide some support in the 6th inning when Brice Turang led things off with a double down the line, his fourth double already of the regular season. Then William Contreras followed with an absolute blast to centerfield.

107 MPH off the bat and 415 feet later the Milwaukee Brewers had their first lead of the ballgame on Contreras’ first homer of the year.

But that lead would be short-lived as Aaron Ashby, in his second inning of work of what’s already his third appearance of the season, allowed a leadoff home run to Jonny DeLuca of the Rays to immediately tie the game back up.

The Brewers had a chance to take a lead late in the 8th. Turang walked and then stole second base, Contreras smoked a line drive but right at Junior Caminero. Luis Rengifo drew a walk so there was two on and two out, but pinch-hitter Gary Sanchez struck out swinging and Pat Murphy turned to Trevor Megill in the 9th.

Megill, pitching on back-to-back days, got the first two outs no problem, but then walked DeLuca on a full count and put the game in the hands of catcher Nick Fortes.

“We mound visited, and our message was ‘he’ll ambush fastball up’. That’s what he’s looking for.” Pat Murphy said.

Sure enough, Fortes ripped a fastball up and out of the zone to right-center for an RBI double and the Rays took a 3-2 lead.

In the bottom of the 9th, Sal Frelick led off with a hit by pitch, but the bottom of the order couldn’t get him over and in with a Mitchell strikeout, Hamilton flyout, and Blake Perkins groundout to end it.

“Two plays that killed us today was the two out walk and then Contreras’ line drive (in the 8th) getting caught. That’s a double and that’s a run” Pat Murphy said.

Brandon Woodruff is on the bump tomorrow for the Brewers as he makes his first start of the season.

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A’s Offensive Struggles Continue in 4-0 Loss to Braves

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 30: Athletics pitcher Jacob Lopez (57) throws a pitch during the MLB game between the Athletics and the Atlanta Braves on March 30th, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA.(Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Following a season-opening sweep against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Athletics began their second series against the Atlanta Braves hoping to finally get in the win column this season. Alas, that will have to wait another day as the Braves shut out the A’s 4-0, extending the visitors’ losing streak to four games.

Making his first start of the season, A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez’s command issues were apparent from the jump. In the top of the first, Braves starter Bryce Elder retired the first three A’s batters in order. Then Lopez took the mound and immediately put his team in a hole. He walked three, gave up three hits and three runs. The Braves sent all nine batters to the plate in Lopez’s 41-pitch first inning. Atlanta first baseman Matt Olson’s RBI double and shortstop Mauricio Dubón’s two-run single were both bloops that found grass. So, in a sense, Atlanta got lucky, yet Lopez deserved to get punished for his command struggles that inning.

Lopez endured three more innings without allowing any more runs. He only allowed one hard hit ball as four of Atlanta’s five hits had exit velocities of 81 mph or lower. However, failing to record a strikeout while walking five sums up Lopez’s performance.

Meanwhile, the A’s offense continued its early-season slump. Braves’ pitcher Bryce Elder, who had a 5.30 ERA last year and may not not have started this season in his team’s rotation were it not for injuries to his teammates, pitched six scoreless innings, only allowing five hits while striking out five A’s batters.

The A’s had several chances to reduce the Braves’ lead. In the third inning, first baseman Nick Kurtz lined out following right fielder Carlos Cortes’ two-out double. The next inning, the A’s had a rally going as Tyler Soderstrom and Brent Rooker hit back-to-back singles to bring the tying run up to the plate. Unfortunately, Elder got both Jacob Wilson and Lawrence Butler to fly out to center to escape the jam unscathed.

The Athletics had more chances in the later innings. In the seventh inning, third baseman Max Muncy hit a double off Braves’ left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer with one out, only for his teammates to leave him stranded on second base. In the top of the eighth inning, right-hander Robert Suarez got Rooker to ground into a double-play to stop another A’s rally and keep his team’s shutout going.

While the A’s offense continued its futility, the team’s relievers kept the deficit the same, a welcome sight given that group’s poor performance in Toronto this past weekend. Justin Sterner, Elvis Alvarado and Mark Leiter Jr. all pitched scoreless innings out of the bullpen before the Braves scored a fourth run against Michael Kelly Jr.in the bottom of the eighth.

Throughout this game, the A’s had several chances to score runs and mount a comeback, yet failed to record the big hit every time. They hit several hard-hit balls right to Braves’ defenders, finishing the game 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Kurtz and Wilson, who finished first and second in American League Rookie of the Year voting last fall, both went 0-for-4, continuing their miserable performance through the season’s first four games. Whether it is due to their place in the lineup or a harbinger of a sophomore slump, the A’s need these two players to start contributing more given how much of an impact they have on this team’s offense.

The Athletics will try to get their offense rolling and snap this losing streak tomorrow in the second game of the series. Right-hander Aaron Civale will make his A’s debut, while the Braves have left-hander Jose Suarez lined up to start. With the A’s likely to face Braves ace pitcher Chris Sale in Wednesday’s series finale, they face another possibility of a series sweep should they not win the middle game of this inter-league series.

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Devin Booker scores 36 on 16-of-24 shooting, Suns beat Grizzlies 131-105

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Devin Booker scored 36 points on 16-of-24 shooting, Jalen Green added 21 points, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Memphis Grizzlies 131-105 on Monday night.

Collin Gillespie had 11 points — all in the fourth quarter — and 10 assists for the Suns. Oso Ighodaro and Rasheer Fleming also scored 11 points.

Booker banked in a straight-away 3-pointer at the buzzer in the third quarter to give Phoenix a two-point lead. GG Jackson threw down a dunk to open the fourth that made it 91-all, but Fleming grabbed an offensive rebound and his putback with 11:14 left in the game gave Phoenix the lead for good.

Ighodaro followed with a dunk and Gillespie added a 3-pointer and a jumper before Jordan Goodwin stole a pass and fed Ryan Dunn for a fast-break dunk that capped an 11-0 run. Goodwin and Fleming made 3s 21 seconds apart that made it 108-95 with 6:59 remaining, and the Grizzlies trailed by double digits the rest of the way.

Tyler Burton led Memphis with 17 points and Cam Spencer scored 16. Jackson and Jahmai Mashack each added 14 points.

Phoenix shot 50.5% (55 of 109) and hit 17 3-pointers.

Up next

Suns: Visits Orlando on Tuesday.

Grizzlies: Hosts New York on Wednesday.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba

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Mets 4, Cardinals 2: Red Birds at Night, New York Delight

Mar 30, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Clay Holmes (35) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Mets defeated the Cardinals 4-2 at Busch Stadium in the Mets’ first road game of the year.

Francisco Lindor led off the game against Kyle Leahy and continued his aggressive early season play, legging out a triple to right field. Bo Bichette would drive him in with a ground out to put the Mets on the board early.

Clay Holmes started the day off by walking JJ Wetherholt, who would advance to second on a ground out, third on a balk, and then score on a Alec Burleson single, tying the game at one apiece.

From there, both starters would settle down a bit, but both teams continued to threaten. The Mets put pressure in the second when they had two on and two out before Francisco Alvarez would strike out to end the threat. In the bottom of the third, Holmes gave up a double to Burleson and then walked Masyn Winn, but was able to induce a ground out from Nolan Gorman to end the inning.

The Mets added their second run in the top of the fifth, when Bichette notched his second RBI of the game, driving in Carson Benge to put the Mets up 2-1. They would tack on in the top of the sixth when Jared Young doubled home Brett Baty. That would do it for Leahy, who left the game with no outs in the sixth. Matt Svanson relieved him, and got two quick outs before things fell apart a bit for Svanson. Alvarez walked, Lindor was hit by a pitch, and the bases were loaded for Juan Soto. Soto walked in a run, and the Mets were now up 4-1.

Despite tossing 81 pitches through five, the Mets sent Holmes out there to start the sixth inning, getting two quick outs. However, Gorman drilled a long home run to right center field, putting the Cards within two and sending Holmes to the showers. Tobias Myers was first out of the ‘pen for the Mets, and he continued to look great, facing four batters, striking out three and not allowing a baserunner.

Brooks Raley pitched the bottom of the eighth, allowing an Iván Herrera single in an otherwise perfect appearance. Devin Williams would get the ninth and looked dominant, getting easy contact for the first two outs and then striking out Nathan Church to end the game with a flourish.

Every member of the Mets’ starting nine reached base tonight, with all but Semien collecting a hit. It was interesting to see Benge start in center, as well as see Jared Young get a start at first. The Mets rested Luis Robert Jr. for the first six innings, showing their dedication to keeping Robert healthy. Even with this somewhat wonky lineup, the Mets still delivered and took the first game of their roadtrip.

Tomorrow night, Kodai Senga starts for the Mets against Andrew Pallante.

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Win Probability Added

Mets vs Cardinals WPA Chart 3/30/26

What’s WPA?

Big Mets winner: Clay Holmes, +14.1% WPA
Big Mets loser: Marcus Semien, -7.9% WPA
Mets pitchers: +40.8% WPA
Mets hitters: +9.2% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: Bo Bichette’s fifth inning single, +14.4% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Nolan Gorman’s sixth inning dinger, -8.1% WPA